Name: Irish Potato Candy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 4 oz cream cheese; ⅓ cup butter; 4 cups confectioners’ sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2¼ cups coconut flakes; 2 tbsp Cinnamon

This delightful Irish potato candy is a sweet treat that might fool you with its name. Despite the name, there are no actual potatoes in this recipe. These candies are creamy, coconut-flavored morsels dusted with cinnamon to resemble small potatoes, making them a fun and delicious dessert.

Photos of Irish Potato Candy Recipe

When preparing to make Irish potato candy, you may find that not all the ingredients are staples in your pantry. Specifically, cream cheese and coconut flakes might not be on your usual shopping list. Make sure to grab these items during your supermarket visit.

Ingredients for Irish Potato Candy

cream cheese: A soft, creamy cheese that forms the base of the candy's texture.

butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.

confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the candy and helps to achieve the right consistency.

vanilla extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the mix.

coconut flakes: Gives the candy a chewy texture and coconut flavor.

cinnamon: Used to coat the candies, giving them their characteristic 'potato' appearance.

One reader, Ferne Lane says:

This Irish potato candy recipe is a delightful treat! The cream cheese and coconut blend perfectly, and the cinnamon coating adds a lovely touch. Easy to make and absolutely delicious. Highly recommend!

Ferne Lane

Mastering the Techniques for Perfect Irish Potato Candy

Yes.

How to cream together ingredients: Use a mixer to blend the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. How to add confectioners' sugar slowly: Gradually add the confectioners' sugar to the mixture while continuing to beat with the mixer to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth dough. How to mix with a wooden spoon or hands: Incorporate the coconut flakes into the dough using a wooden spoon or your hands to ensure even distribution. How to roll dough into balls: Take a small amount of dough and roll it between your palms to form a ball slightly larger than a marble. How to coat with cinnamon: Place the rolled balls into a bowl of cinnamon and gently roll them around to coat evenly.

How To Make Irish Potato Candy

Pardon the misnomer but this Irish potato candy is made with coconut rolled in cream cheese with cinnamon. It is usually served during St. Patrick’s Day.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Cool Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4ozcream cheese,softened
⅓cupbutter,softened
4cupsconfectioners’ sugar
1tspvanilla extract
2¼cupscoconut flakes
2tbspcinnamon

Instructions

Using a mixer cream together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract.
Add your confectioners’ sugar slowly to the bowl and continue to beat with your mixer, once all the sugar is added you will have thick dough.
Using a wooden spoon or your hands add in the coconut and mix well.
Take a small about of the dough in your hand and roll it into a ball. The ball should be a bit bigger than a marble.
Pour your cinnamon into a bowl and put the rolled balls in to the dish a few at a time to coat with cinnamon.
Refrigerate the Irish Potato Candy for up to a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 411.04kcal
Fat: 22.38g
Saturated Fat: 17.02g
Trans Fat: 0.25g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.10g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.53g
Carbohydrates: 54.19g
Fiber: 3.95g
Sugar: 48.81g
Protein: 2.12g
Cholesterol: 28.74mg
Sodium: 50.45mg
Calcium: 34.06mg
Potassium: 129.62mg
Iron: 0.84mg
Vitamin A: 93.49µg
Vitamin C: 0.35mg

Expert Technique Tips for Crafting Irish Potato Candy

When adding the confectioners’ sugar to the cream cheese mixture, do it gradually to avoid a powdery mess and ensure a smooth, lump-free dough.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Irish Potato Candy

Soften ingredients: Leave cream cheese and butter at room temperature for easier mixing.

Use a food processor: Quickly mix cream cheese, butter, and confectioners’ sugar with a food processor instead of a mixer.

Pre-measure ingredients: Have all ingredients measured and ready before starting.

Batch rolling: Roll multiple dough balls at once to save time.

Cinnamon coating: Use a ziplock bag to coat dough balls with cinnamon quickly and evenly.

Chill before serving: Refrigerate the Irish potato candy for at least an hour to firm up before serving.

Substitute Ingredients For Irish Potato Candy Recipe

cream cheese - Substitute with mascarpone cheese: Mascarpone has a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can mimic the texture and moisture content of butter, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
confectioners’ sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar blended with cornstarch: Blending granulated sugar with cornstarch can create a similar texture to confectioners' sugar.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile.
coconut flakes - Substitute with finely chopped nuts: Finely chopped nuts can add a similar texture and crunch, though the flavor will differ.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, spicy flavor that can serve as a good alternative to cinnamon.

Creative Ways to Present Irish Potato Candy

Use elegant serving plates: Choose pristine, white porcelain plates to highlight the contrast between the Irish potato candy and the cinnamon coating.
Create uniform shapes: Roll the dough into perfectly round balls, ensuring each piece is consistent in size and shape for a professional appearance.
Add a touch of gold: Lightly dust the cinnamon-coated candies with edible gold powder to add a luxurious touch that catches the eye.
Incorporate texture: Place a small mound of finely shredded coconut flakes on the plate to add texture and visual interest, complementing the candy.
Use microgreens for garnish: Add a few sprigs of microgreens, such as mint or basil, to provide a fresh, green contrast to the rich, brown cinnamon.
Drizzle with a sauce: Create a thin vanilla or coconut sauce and drizzle it artistically around the candy to enhance the presentation and add an extra layer of flavor.
Serve with a side of cream: Include a small, elegant dish of lightly whipped cream cheese on the side for dipping, enhancing the creamy texture of the candy.
Add a touch of color: Place a few edible flowers on the plate to introduce a pop of color and elevate the overall aesthetic.
Use a clean, minimalist approach: Ensure the plate is free of any smudges or excess cinnamon, maintaining a clean and sophisticated look.
Highlight the ingredients: Include a small card or menu detailing the key ingredients like cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, coconut flakes, and cinnamon, showcasing the simplicity and quality of the Irish potato candy.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Irish Potato Candy

Mixer: Used to cream together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract, and to incorporate the confectioners’ sugar into the mixture.
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to hold and mix all the ingredients together.
Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the coconut flakes into the dough if you prefer not to use your hands.
Hands: Essential for rolling the dough into small balls.
Bowl: Needed to hold the cinnamon for coating the rolled dough balls.
Refrigerator: Used to store the Irish potato candy and keep it fresh for up to a week.

Storing and Freezing Irish Potato Candy for Later

These Irish potato candies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To freeze, place the candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
Once frozen, transfer the candies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Frozen Irish potato candies can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw, remove the desired amount of candies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
If the candies have absorbed any moisture during storage, you can roll them in a fresh layer of cinnamon before serving to restore their appearance and flavor.

Surprising Facts About Irish Potato Candy

A random fact about this recipe is that despite its name, Irish potato candy does not contain any potatoes. It is a traditional Philadelphia confection made primarily from cream cheese, coconut, and cinnamon. The name comes from the candy's resemblance to small, dusted potatoes.

Is Making Irish Potato Candy at Home Cost-Effective?

The Irish potato candy recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic ingredients like cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, coconut flakes, and cinnamon, the total cost is approximately $10-$12. This recipe yields a generous amount of candy, making it an affordable treat. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Sweet Treat Healthy or Unhealthy?

This Irish potato candy recipe is not particularly healthy due to its high sugar and fat content. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional concerns:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of confectioners' sugar (4 cups), which is essentially pure sugar with no nutritional value.
Cream cheese and butter are high in saturated fats, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
Coconut flakes, while containing some fiber and healthy fats, are also high in calories and saturated fats.
The recipe lacks any substantial nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, or protein.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of confectioners' sugar by half and replace it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract.
Use low-fat cream cheese and replace half of the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.
Incorporate some finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, to add healthy fats, fiber, and protein to the recipe.
Roll the candy in a mixture of cinnamon and unsweetened cocoa powder instead of just cinnamon to add a rich flavor without increasing the sugar content.
Reduce the portion size of each candy to help control calorie intake.

Editor's Opinion: Why Irish Potato Candy is a Must-Try

This Irish potato candy recipe is a delightful treat with a unique twist. The combination of cream cheese and butter creates a rich, creamy base, while the coconut flakes add a satisfying texture. Rolling the candies in cinnamon not only gives them a charming potato-like appearance but also adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness. The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward preparation make this recipe accessible for all skill levels. Refrigerating the candies ensures they maintain their shape and flavor. Overall, it's a fun and delicious confection that’s sure to impress.

Enhance Your Irish Potato Candy Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Imagine the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection, drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. The caramelized edges and the slight bitterness of the sprouts will provide a delightful contrast to the sweet and creamy Irish Potato Candy.

Spiced Butternut Squash Soup: A warm bowl of spiced butternut squash soup can be the perfect prelude to your dessert. The velvety texture and the aromatic spices will set the stage for the rich and sweet Irish Potato Candy. The nutmeg and cinnamon in the soup will echo the cinnamon coating of the candy, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Apple and Walnut Salad: A crisp and refreshing apple and walnut salad can add a burst of freshness to your meal. The crunchy apples and toasted walnuts provide a delightful texture contrast, while a light honey vinaigrette ties it all together. This salad will cleanse your palate and prepare you for the sweet indulgence of the Irish Potato Candy.

Herb-Crusted Salmon: For a more substantial pairing, consider herb-crusted salmon. The savory herbs and the richness of the salmon will balance the sweetness of the Irish Potato Candy. The crispy crust adds a delightful texture, making each bite a symphony of flavors.

Cranberry and Orange Relish: A tangy and vibrant cranberry and orange relish can be a fantastic accompaniment. The zesty citrus and the tart cranberries will cut through the richness of the Irish Potato Candy, providing a refreshing contrast. This relish can be served as a side or even as a topping for a variety of dishes.

Delightful Alternatives to Traditional Irish Potato Candy

Chocolate Coconut Balls: Dive into these delightful desserts that combine rich chocolate with sweet coconut. Perfect for a quick treat or a party platter, these bite-sized wonders are sure to impress.

Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with these homemade donuts. Soft, fluffy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture, they are a perfect morning treat.

Coconut Macaroons: Experience the chewy, sweet goodness of coconut macaroons. These desserts are simple to make and offer a delightful texture that pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.

Cream Cheese Mints: These melt-in-your-mouth mints are a perfect blend of cream cheese and sugar. They are easy to shape and can be customized with different colors and flavors for any occasion.

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels: Transform ordinary pretzels into a sweet and spicy snack with a coating of cinnamon and sugar. These are perfect for a quick snack or a party appetizer.

Appetizer and Main Course Ideas to Complement Irish Potato Candy

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine cremini mushrooms filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushroom caps are then baked until golden brown, creating a perfect bite-sized treat. The creamy filling contrasts beautifully with the earthy flavor of the mushrooms, making them an irresistible appetizer. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that never fails to impress. Start with slices of toasted baguette brushed with olive oil. Top each slice with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish. The combination of crunchy bread and juicy tomatoes creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Serve these on a platter for a colorful and delicious start to your meal.

Main Courses:

Beef Wellington: Elevate your dining experience with Beef Wellington. This classic dish features a beef tenderloin wrapped in a delicate puff pastry, encased with a layer of mushroom duxelles and prosciutto. The beef is seared to perfection, ensuring a juicy interior, while the pastry bakes to a golden, flaky crust. Serve with a rich red wine reduction and a side of roasted vegetables for a meal that’s both elegant and satisfying.

Chicken Marsala: Delight your taste buds with Chicken Marsala, a dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a savory Marsala wine sauce. The chicken is lightly coated and pan-fried until golden, then simmered in a sauce made from Marsala wine, mushrooms, and shallots. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests. Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes or al dente pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

Why trust this Irish Potato Candy Recipe:

This Irish potato candy recipe is a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese and butter with the sweetness of confectioners’ sugar and coconut flakes. The cinnamon coating adds a perfect touch of spice, making each bite irresistible. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Trust this recipe to bring a taste of tradition and a touch of sweetness to your kitchen.

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FAQ:

What is Irish potato candy?

Irish potato candy is a sweet treat that looks like small potatoes but doesn't contain any actual potatoes. It's made from cream cheese, butter, confectioners' sugar, coconut flakes, and cinnamon.

How long does it take to make Irish potato candy?

It usually takes about 20-30 minutes to prepare the candy, plus some additional time for refrigeration.

Can I use sweetened coconut flakes?

Yes, you can use sweetened coconut flakes if you prefer a sweeter candy. Just keep in mind that it will make the candy even sweeter.

How should I store Irish potato candy?

You should store the Irish potato candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week.

Can I freeze Irish potato candy?

Yes, you can freeze Irish potato candy. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator.